Basingstoke town centre office block set to be turned in to flats

AN OFFICE block in the heart of Basingstoke looks set to be converted into 20 flats.

Developers Paris Smith has lodged a notification with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to transform St Pancras House, in Jacobs Yard, for residential use, under permitted development laws.

In the plans submitted, the developer proposes to change the office space into 20 one-bedroom flats a stone’s throw away from the town centre.

A planning documented sent to the borough council states: “The existing undercroft car park, which forms part of the existing office building would be converted to six flats and each of the first and second floors would be converted to seven flats.”

In the proposal, it also indicates that external alterations, including replacement windows and some additional windows and infilling are the subject of a separate planning application.

The application adds: “The proposed external alterations are predominantly fenestration changes, including replacement and new windows. The changes are proposed to a modern 1980s building.

“The existing windows comprise coloured metal windows. The proposed grey-coloured uPVC windows will have a subdued and low-key appearance but will fit with the design of the building and help to visually “lift” its external appearance in the street scene.”

The developers believe the site would be of benefit to people moving into the town or those who have to commute out of Basingstoke for work.

Currently, offices under certain planning categories can be converted to residential properties without a full planning application required - only alterations to the external look of the property must be applied for.

For more information on the plan, visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for 17/02486/GPDOFF.

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